Michael Mahaffey received an honorary high school diploma from FCSD#25 Tuesday night and was honored with a standing ovation. (Ernie Over photo)

Riverton Veteran received honorary high school diploma Tuesday night

Michael Mahaffey received an honorary high school diploma from FCSD#25 Tuesday night and was honored with a standing ovation. (Ernie Over photo)

By Ernie Over, managing editor, county10.com

(Riverton, Wyo.) – It’s not often someone gets a prolonged standing ovation at a school board meeting, but that’s what happened Tuesday night in Riverton. The Wyoming Veteran’s Commission State Service Officer, Lori McGee, was there to present a high school diploma to Michael R. Mahaffey of Riverton. McGee explained that the Veterans Commission has a program called Operation Recognition, that recognizes Veterans who leave high school to join the military in war time. McGee said Mahaffey left school during the Vietnam War and joined the Navy.

In front of a large number of family and friends, Mahaffey was called to the front of the room and presented with an honorary high school diploma from Fremont County School District #25. Before the presentation, McGee read a letter to Mahaffey from Governor Matt Mead and presented him with a loose leaf binder filled with letters of congratulation from the state’s congressional delegation and others.

As Mahaffey accepted the diploma, the school trustees and audience stood and applauded and Mahaffey accepted hugs from his family. As they say, there was nary a dry eye in the house.

Michael Mahaffey received a hug from his wife Cressie after receiving his honorary diploma. Wednesday marks the couple’s 35th wedding anniversary. (Ernie Over photo)